"The 14th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF)" (hereafter "Bucope") successfully concluded a ten-day journey of laughter.
"Bucope" met audiences across Busan starting with its opening performance on the 21st. This year, 52 teams from nine countries participated, showcasing its status as a global comedy festival, and by promoting the frank and audacious charm of K-comedy, it delivered unforgettable laughter and consolation to the audience.
Even on the festival's final day, on the 30th (Sun), laughter did not stop throughout the venues. "Mandam Assemble @ Bucope," held at Busan Bank headquarters Ocean Hall, had the audience in stitches with the cast's crisp timing and uninhibited wit. Popular comedian Kwak Beom appeared as the host and amped up the atmosphere, and Dduksadae W (U Daon, Shin Bong-su), Bota (Jo Da-hyeon, Kim Won-sik), Heegigins (Shin Yun-seung, Park Min-seong), and Youth Desk (Gu Jeong-mo, Yoo Young-woo) took the stage in succession, triggering uproarious laughter. Natural audience participation and nonstop ad-libs combined to fill the venue with cheerful energy.
On the same day, the "Ongals" performance at Shinsegae Centum City Cultural Hall also drew laughs from audiences of all ages. The members reverted to 5-year-old children and presented sketches using various props such as badminton rackets and toilet seat covers. In the "national talent show" segment, they offered a variety of attractions, including magic, juggling and cute dances, targeting both adult and child audiences. With a format differentiated from previous shows, it provided high immersion and completed a special time by conveying the true value of laughter.
After all performances concluded, the closing performance "I am a dog singer" decorated the end of Bucope at the Busan Cinema Center Sky Theater. The stage, which began with spirited cheerleading by Sky cheerleaders, continued its momentum with energetic performances by the Sambuja (Lee Jeong-yong, Lee Mid-eum, Lee Ma-eum), member (member, Japanese team) and Lee Ji-yo.
Then the "Bucope awards" took place, along with a time to look back on the past 10 days of the festival. The "comedy YouTube grand prize," given to the comedian who received much love on YouTube over the year, went to Kwak Beom. Kwak, who has participated in "Bucope" for 10 consecutive years, said, "I am happy because I feel like I have grown along with 'Bucope'," and added, "'Bucope' helped many comedians grow. I will come back next year with a more grown appearance."
The "sea of the unknown" award, given to the team that pioneered a new area on live platforms, was awarded to the "Park Seong-ho's gag general meeting" team. Park Seong-ho wittily expressed his thanks to juniors Kim Jun-Ho and Kim Dae-hee, who have led "Bucope" for 14 years, and said, "I am grateful to those who helped many comedians be active on the 'SOOP' platform."
The "street king" award, which selects the best performance among Busan street open concerts and comedy street performances, went to "231 Show." The "hot sea" award, given to teams that gained popularity and strong reactions, went to "Woo Seok-hoon comedy short selection." Woo Seok-hoon said, "I was invited to 'Bucope' after a mime video recently became an issue. I am very grateful for the award and want to dedicate the honor to everyone who joined," and after delivering his remarks he left the stage cheerfully after performing a mime.
The "sea of laughter" award, given to overseas performers who presented the best comedy work, was received by "Double (Double)." "Double" conveyed their joy and honor of receiving the award through a VCR.
The "Busan sea" award, given to the domestic team that presented the best comedy performance, was awarded to the "Mandam Assemble @ Bucope" team. Representing the team on stage, Kwak Beom said, "The performance that started with 12 audience members has been growing, and juniors who want to introduce the genre of mandam in Korea have emerged," and promised, "We will definitely come again next year. We will be a team that participates for 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 40 years."
After the awards ceremony, performances by the "dog singers" continued. Lee Bong-won, Lee Seyoung and Yeong-gi drew cheers from the audience with lively performances, Cho Hye-lyeon energized the stage with her characteristic overflowing energy while performing with the audience, and the final performer Yoon Su-il rocked the audience to their feet by passionately singing his signature song "APT."
The finale of the closing performance was decorated by Executive Chairman Kim Jun-Ho and Director Kim Dae-hee. The two loudly shouted Bucope's slogan, "Busan sea! sea of laughter!", together with the audience, concluding the 10-day festival's grand journey.
[Photo] Provided by the Busan International Comedy Festival Organizing Committee
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